The executive director of Los Angeles nonprofit Abundant Blessings, Alexander Soofer, was arrested Jan. 23 and is accused of diverting about $10 million from roughly $23 million in public contracts meant to feed and house people experiencing homelessness. Prosecutors allege the funds paid for a down payment on a $7 million home, a Greek vacation property, private jet travel and luxury resorts. Investigators reported falsified invoices and site visits that found only minimal food served, and Soofer faces 18 felony counts; bond was set at $1.5 million and his next hearing is Feb. 26.
L.A. Charity Director Arrested — Allegedly Diverted $10M Intended to Feed the Homeless
Department of JusticeAlexander Soofer
A California nonprofit leader was arrested Jan. 23 after federal prosecutors say he diverted roughly $10 million in public funds intended to feed and house people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.
Alexander Soofer, 42, served as executive director of Abundant Blessings, a Los Angeles-based charity that received about $23 million in public contracts from 2018 through 2025. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, prosecutors allege Soofer personally used approximately $10 million of those funds for luxury purchases and personal expenses.
Allegations and Purchases
Prosecutors say the misappropriated money paid for a down payment on a $7 million residence in an upscale L.A. neighborhood, vacation property in Greece, private jet travel and stays at high-end resorts. Investigators allege Soofer obtained government contracts — including with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) — by promising case management, housing and three nutritious meals a day for program participants.
Department of JusticeAlexander Soofer
Investigations and Site Visits
After hotline complaints and billing irregularities were reported, city and county investigators performed site visits and reviewed paperwork. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says investigators found allegedly falsified documents, including "fake and misleading invoices," and observed that the food served at program locations was limited to items such as ramen noodles, canned beans and breakfast bars — falling short of the three-meals-a-day commitment for which the city had paid.
"Self-dealing government funds intended for food and housing for homeless residents of L.A. County...is despicable," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said at a Jan. 23 press conference. "The defendant called his company 'Abundant Blessings,' but the only abundant blessings he gave were to himself."
Charges, Bond and Next Steps
Soofer was arrested and has been charged with 18 felony counts, according to a release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. If convicted on all counts, he faces more than 17 years behind bars, combining state prison and county jail time. He made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana; bond was set at $1.5 million and his next court date is scheduled for Feb. 26. No plea was entered at the initial appearance, and it was not immediately clear whether Soofer had retained legal counsel.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Department of Justice and local prosecutors continue to investigate the allegations.
Help us improve.
